Amsterdam: Zaanse Schans & Giethoorn With Canal Cruise

Explore the quaint charm of the Netherlands’ countryside on this captivating tour. Enjoy the picturesque canals and thatched-roof houses of Giethoorn, before discovering the historic windmills of Zaanse Schans. Along the way, you’ll enjoy a scenic canal cruise, witness traditional crafts, and indulge in local delicacies. With a personalized experience for up to 55 guests, this tour promises to transport you to the heart of Dutch culture. Uncover the enchanting wonders that await as you embark on this unforgettable journey through the Netherlands’ picturesque landscapes.

About Your Stay

• This full-day tour from Amsterdam takes visitors to Giethoorn, a picturesque village with canals and thatched-roof houses, and Zaanse Schans, a historic windmill village.
• The tour includes a 1-hour canal cruise in Giethoorn, weather permitting, as well as food tasting and live demonstrations at Zaanse Schans.
• Roundtrip transfers from central Amsterdam and professional local guides are provided, but personal expenses, food, drinks, and gratuities are not included.
• The tour is not wheelchair accessible, but strollers are allowed, and a moderate fitness level is required due to the walking involved.
• With a maximum group size of 55 travelers, the tour give you a personalized experience, but mixed traveler reviews suggest potential accessibility and group size issues.

Tour Overview

This full-day tour takes visitors to two of Holland’s top attractions – Giethoorn and Zaanse Schans – from Amsterdam.

The tour includes a 1-hour canal cruise in Giethoorn, weather permitting, allowing travelers to experience the idyllic "Venice of the Netherlands" from a different perspective.

A professional local driver and guide provides insights about the region throughout the journey.

The tour covers all experiences and entrance fees, but personal expenses, food, drinks, and gratuities aren’t included.

Travelers must arrive 15 minutes before the 8:45 AM departure from the back of Amsterdam Central Station, near the Tour Bus/Coach Terminal.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour includes round-trip transfers from central Amsterdam, as well as all experiences and entrance fees as outlined in the itinerary.

Travelers can expect a food tasting and live demonstration during the tour. However, personal expenses, food, drinks, and gratuities aren’t included.

Guests must arrive 15 minutes before the 8:45 AM departure time at the meeting point near the Central Station’s Tour Bus/Coach Terminal.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, though strollers are allowed. Infants must sit on laps, and a moderate fitness level is required, as the tour accommodates a maximum of 55 travelers.

Meeting and Pickup Details

Guests meet at the De Ruijterkade 99 location in central Amsterdam, 15 minutes before the 8:45 AM departure.

The tour departs from the back of Central Station, near the Tour Bus/Coach Terminal (H28). The tour ends back at the meeting point.

Guests must arrive on time, as the tour won’t wait for late arrivals.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible but is stroller accessible. Infants must sit on laps.

A moderate physical fitness level is required, as the tour involves walking.

The group size is limited to a maximum of 55 travelers.

Accessibility and Fitness Level

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but does accommodate strollers.

Travelers with moderate physical fitness are required, as the itinerary involves a fair amount of walking. Infants must be carried, as they’ll need to sit on laps during the canal cruise in Giethoorn.

Though the tour may not be suitable for those with mobility issues, it provides an immersive experience in Holland’s picturesque countryside.

Guests should be prepared for a day of exploring quaint villages, historic windmills, and scenic waterways, all while taking in the unique culture and charm of this remarkable region.

Group Size and Booking Confirmation

Although the tour has a maximum capacity of 55 travelers, booking confirmation is received within 48 hours of reserving, subject to availability. This ensures guests can plan their trip with confidence, knowing they’ve secured their spot on this popular excursion.

The compact group size allows for a more personalized experience, with the driver/guide providing insights about the region throughout the day. Travelers should note this tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, though strollers are permitted.

A moderate level of fitness is required, as the day involves some walking. This day trip to Giethoorn and Zaanse Schans provides an efficient way to experience two of Holland’s top attractions in a single day.

Highlights of Giethoorn and Zaanse Schans

With its picturesque canals, charming thatched-roof houses, and tranquil atmosphere, Giethoorn captivates visitors.

Nicknamed the "Venice of the Netherlands," this quaint village is entirely car-free, allowing you to explore its scenic waterways by boat or on foot.

Marvel at the historic windmills and wooden bridges of Zaanse Schans, an open-air museum that showcases the region’s traditional architecture and crafts.

Witness live demonstrations of cheese-making and clog-carving, and sample the local delicacies.

Whether you’re admiring the charming scenery or enjoying Dutch culture, this tour offers a unique glimpse into the Netherlands’ picturesque countryside.

Traveler Reviews

Despite the tantalizing promise of this tour, traveler reviews paint a more mixed picture.

With only 2 reviews and an overall rating of 3 out of 5 stars, it’s clear this excursion hasn’t wowed everyone. Notably, there are no 5-star, 4-star, or even 3-star ratings – all reviews are either 1-star or 2-star.

While the tour includes must-see attractions like Giethoorn and Zaanse Schans, it seems some travelers were left disappointed, perhaps due to issues like lack of accessibility or exceeded group size.

Prospective visitors would be wise to weigh these tepid reviews carefully before booking, to ensure this tour aligns with their expectations and abilities.

Worth The Stay

This immersive tour provides a delightful glimpse into the Netherlands’ enchanting countryside. Visitors will be captivated by the charming canals and thatched-roof houses of Giethoorn, followed by the historic windmills of Zaanse Schans. With a scenic canal cruise, live demonstrations, and local delicacies, this tour offers a personalized exploration of Dutch culture and natural beauty, making it an unforgettable experience.